Sociology and Criminology

Victimology and Emotion

Module code: L4102A
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you'll explore victimology and the role of emotions in shaping attitudes and responses to victims of crime. You'll examine the emergence of victimology and the impact of the victims' rights movement on theoretical and practical developments.

Key topics include:

• emotional responses to victimisation, such as anger, vengeance, sympathy and remembrance
• fear, anxiety, and the influence of media in shaping emotional reactions to crime
• the social construction of victims
• the role of victims within the criminal justice system, examined through case studies.

You'll engage with current debates in criminology and hear from external speakers working in this emerging field.

Module learning outcomes

• Critically analyse the victims of crime movement (and its impact) within a broader historical and social context.
• Apply relevant theoretical concepts from victimology to critically analyse empirical examples covered on the module.
• Critically assess competing arguments that challenge definitions of victims of crime and their role in the justice process, weighing up their limitations.
• Develop critical examination of evidence and data on victimisation and the methodological approaches used